Universal sealed heat exchanger air conditioner

Abstract

An economical air conditioner system for universal installation in utility vehicles (UTV) and other 12v applications is a fluid cooling system that may also be used for heating applications. The system is a sealed system wherein cooling fluids can include ice water, and the sealed system allows for improved ice retention. The sealed system may alternatively utilize a traditional coolant in the cooling system which provides for the ability to switch between “heat” and “cool” applications or functions using the same core in the system. The system includes a storage vessel, a pump, a fluid reservoir, and a heat exchanger installed within the storage vessel. The system is also operably connectable to a core for temperature selected and directed air flow.

1 . A sealed universal controlled temperature air flow system comprising:
 a storage vessel having an interior space;   a pump for circulating fluid;   a fluid reservoir; and   a heat exchanger;   wherein the pump, fluid reservoir and heat exchanger are operably secured within the interior space of the storage vessel, and   wherein the system is operably connected to a core for providing temperature adjusted air flow to a vehicle, UTV, or enclosure where the system is connectable to a power source and operably installed.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the storage vessel is a cooler. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1  wherein ice, water, or a combination thereof are loaded into the interior space of the storage vessel to surround the heat exchanger positioned therewithin. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the heat exchanger is a coil comprised of a thermally conductive material and is positioned within the interior space of the storage vessel and wherein the coil directs a fluid into, through, and out of the storage vessel. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1  and further comprising a power source wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the system can be installed in any vehicle, UTV, or towable enclosure having a power source. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the system is configured to switch between heat and cool functions such that the system is a universal installation capable of both heating and air conditioning. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7  wherein the system further comprises a coolant “Y” diverter with a shut off valve installed on inlet and return lines connecting the system to an engine of a vehicle or UTV in which the system is installed. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the storage vessel has dimensions sufficient to allow the storage vessel to be operably mounted on a storage rack or storage space on or in a vehicle or UTV. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the fluid reservoir is installed inline before an inlet to the pump and between the pump and the heat exchanger and wherein the fluid reservoir allows for the purging of air from the sealed system and assists in cooling the fluid used in the sealed system. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the core and pump are connected to the same power source such that the pump and core are actuated together.